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ThesisItem Open Access Effect of planting date, weight of rhizome and spacing on the growth, yield and quality constituents on turmeric (Curcuma longa L)(Department of Horticulture (Plantation Crops & Spices), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1983) Chatterjee, R K; KAU; Mohanakumaran, NThesisItem Open Access Homeostatic analysis of components of genetic variance and inheritance of fruit colour, fruit shape and bitterness in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1989) Abdul Vahab, M; KAU; Gopalakrishnan, P KThesisItem Open Access In vitro studies on the propagation of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum maton)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1989) Reghunath, B R; KAU; Gopalakrishnan, P KThesisItem Open Access Selection efficiency and genetic and biochemical bases of resistance to bacterial wilt in tomato(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1985) Rajan, S; KAU; Peter, K VBacterial wilt (Pseudomona solanacearum E.F. Smith) is a major disease of tomato. Attempts were made to improve a reportedly resistant line CL 32d-0-1-19 GS for higher fruit weight and better plant type through four selection methods – mass, pureline, single seed descent and bulk. Genetic and biochemical bases of resistance were also studied. Resistance of the evolved line was tested in vivo and in vitro. Mass, pureline and SSD methods of selection were effective to improve fruits/plant, locules/fruit, yield/plant and fruit weight. SSD method resulted in higher realized genetic gain for fruits/plant (30.97) locules/fruit (0.5) and yield/plant (1.05 kg). Higher genetic advance and high realized heritability were recorded for days to first harvest in SSD selections. Mass selection had higher realized heritability (0.95) for fruits/plant and high realized heritability (0.65) and realized genetic gain (0.5) for locules/fruit. Fruit weight was improved through pure- line selection. Selections based on trait combination fruits/plant, yield/plant and plant height significantly effected higher locules/fruit (4.2). Selection based on trait combination fruits/plant, yield/plant, locules/fruit and plant height were the earliest to flower (59 days). Days to first harvest were significantly reduced (96 days) through selections based on fruit/plant and yield/plant followed by yield/plant and plant height (98 days). Fruit weight was significantly improved by selections based on yield/plant and locules/fruit (58.5 g). Selections based on yield/plant had high realized heritability (0.59) and realized genetic gain (22.0 g) for fruit weight. Fruit weight was significantly improved by selections based on yield/plant and locules/fruit under SSD method (62.4 g). Transgressive segregants appeared through selection based on yield/plant and locules/fruit. SSD selections had the lowest incidence of wilt (9.86%). Multi- locational trails revealed a survival of 89.5% of plants under normal disease stress. Evaluation of generations from LE79 (CL 32d-0-1-1-1-19GS) x Pusa Ruby Cross indicated a monogenic and incompletely dominant type of gene action for wilt resistance. There was no association between yellow gel colour around the seed and disease resistance. No close linkage between resistance and a fewer locules/fruit was observed. The resistant line (LE79-CL 32d-0-1-1-1-1-19 GS) had higher total and higher root content of Pusa Ruby. - tomatine than the susceptible line - Tomatine content increased and maintained at a higher level in resistant line eventhough the infection progressed consequent to artificial inoculation. Pusa Ruby wilted seven days after inoculation. Total phenol content was higher in roots of Pusa Ruby before and after inoculation. The wilted plants of Pusa Ruby had higher content in root and shoot. The O.D. phenols content was more in the resistant line before and after inoculation. Vitamin C content was also more in roots of LE79 before and after inoculation. A higher ratio of phenols and -tomatine: total phenols, -tomatine: O.D. -tomatine: vitamin C were found in roots of LE79 before inoculation. The wilted plants of Pusa Ruby had lower ration of -tomatine: total phenols and -tomatine: vitamin C. a higher increase in O.D. phenols and vitamin C content on infection was observed in resistant line. The ratio of vitamin C: total phenols was higher in roots of LE79 before infection and the ratio increased in both the lines initially on infection and then decreased but to a greater extent in Pusa Ruby. A higher increase in vitamin C content compared to total phenol was observed in LE79 on infection. A low ratio of total phenol: O.D. phenol was related to resistance in LE79. Inoculation in vitro confirmed the resistance of LE79 to Vellanikkara isolate of Pseudomonas solanacearum E.F. Smith. Grafting of suspectible scion on LE79 delayed wilting of scion even on artificial inoculation.ThesisItem Open Access Intraclonal variations and nutritional studies in banana cv. Palayankodan(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1985) Rajeevan, P K; KAU; Mohanakumaran, NThe investigations were carried out at the Banana Research Station, Kannara, during 1981-84 in the banana cv. 'Palayankodan'. Twenty four accessions were subjected to detailed analysis with respect to growth, yield and quality. The plants of the accessions differed significantly with regard to height and girth of pseudostem during the later stages of growth , both in the plant crop and in ratoon 1. Significant differences observed in the number of functional leaves were not consistent. Area of the third leaf at shooting varied significantly in all the three crops. The trend in variation between the crops, however, was not consistent. Interval of leaf production, total number of leaves produced and the density of stomata in the upper surface of the leaf lamina showed significant differences. The duration from planting to shooting in ratoon 1 alone varied significantly. The plant crop took more time than ratoon 1 and ratoon 2 to come to harvest. The content of nutrient elements in the index leaf did not exhibit significant variations. The reactionof the accessions to the important pest (rhizome weevil) and diseases (bunchytop and Sigatoke) varied considerably.ThesisItem Open Access Inheritance of clusterness, destalkness and deep red colour in chilli [Capsicum annuum L.](Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1985) Gopalakrishnan, T R; KAU; Gopalakrishnan, P KThe research project " inheritance of clusterness, destalkness and deep red colour in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) was carried out at the College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Trichur from July 1979 to September 1983. Preliminary evaluation of 38 chilli lines during 1979 and 46 lines during 1980 revealed considerable variation for most of the economic characters . Phenotypic coefficient of variation was the maximum for fruits/plant followed by fruit length and main stem length. High heritability coupled with high expected genetic advance was observed for fruit length and main stem length. Earliness measured as days to flower and days to red chilli harvest, though having high heritability , had only a very low expected genetic advance.ThesisItem Open Access Cytotaxonomical studies on banana cultivars(Department of Pomology and Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1984) Valsalakumari, P K; KAU; Sivaraman, Nair P CVariability in banana are wide and complex with different degrees of expression of the characters of the parental species, Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. Commercial cultivars are many, ranging in levels of productivity and quality characters. Investigations were conducted at the College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Trichur during 1981-83 on 100 cultivars of banana to study the cytotaxonomical aspects. Studies on morphological characters, taxonomic scoring and chromosome number revealed that many of the cultivars were identical and ultimately the cultivars were confined to 64 distinct ones. The taxonomic scoring did not indicate the ploidy. Eight cultivars with the scores of triploids, were identified as diploids. The quantitative, quality and pollen characters showed a significant variation among the cultivars. The characters were influenced by the ploidy and the genomic constitution. The presence of ‘B’ genome increased plant height and girth, leaves per plant, leaf area per plant and petiole length. Musa balbisiana (BB) recorded the highest values for all the above characters. The triploids were more vigorous than the diploids and the tetraploids as indicated by their higher growth rates. The triploids were also better than the other groups for bunch and finger characters. Among them, the triploids of hybrid origin were better for bunch characters while the Musa acuminata triploid group (AAA) was superior to the other groups for finger characters. Longer pedicel was a characteristic feature of Musa balbisiana( BB). The genomic constitution of the cultivars influenced the contents of total soluble solids, sugars and acids in fruits, more than the ploidy. Musa acuminata group AAA, had the highest sugar/acid ratio. Studies on pollen viability, size and production in cultivars revealed the possibility of including a few of them as male parents in the banana hybridization programme. Forty of the cultivars studied were polleniferous. Pollen viability and production were more in pure Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana groups than in groups of hybrid origin. Musa acuminata cultivars had larger pollen grains than cultivars belonging to the other genomic groups.Estimates of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability in the broad sense, genetic advance and genetic gain for the 26 characters indicated the scope for selection among the cultivars. Petiole length, pulp/peel ratio on volume basis, weight and volume of fruit showed higher heritability values combined with high genetic gain. Estimation of genetic divergence among the cultivars showed that the cultivars ‘Mannan’ and ‘Pacha chingan’, belonging to the genomic group AAB, were the closest and a Musa acuminata cultivar, ‘Harichal’ (AAA) and Musa balbisiana (BB) were the farthest. The 62 cultivars were grouped into eight homogeneous clusters. Similar clustering pattern was obtained in the canonical analysis also. The study revealed the predominance of the cultivars of the hybrid origin, with different degrees of expression of the characters of the parental species, in the South Indian bananas. The taxonomic scoring system was not always appropriate to find out the ploidy of the cultivars. The study also indicated the scope for selection among the cultivars and the possibility of inclusion of the cultivars with viable pollen as male parents in the hybridization programme.ThesisItem Open Access Genome analysis in the genus Amatanthus(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1987) Mallika, V K; KAU; Peter, K VCytogenetical studies on eight Amananthiu species, viz., A. inicot-Qn./ A. JUvvduA/ A. vajujcLaa, A, ApAnoAUA, A, cLliAallA, A,hypochondmacuA, A. cnuentuA and/4, caudaiiu and their hydrids were undertaken to understand their genome relationship, phylogeny and evolution. The development and arrangement of flower cluster In AmcuiardhuA were analysed microscopically and discussed in detail. A simple provisional key was developed for Identification of the eight species as the existing keys were complex and confusing. The eight species were also evaluated for their photoperiodlc requirements and antinutritional factors. Meiotic studies revealed that members of section Blitopsis had x = 17 while section Amaranthus had x = 16 and 17. A.duLuu a polyploid with n = 32 behaved as an allopolyploid. Mean number of chiasmata/bivalent was maximum in the cultivated species and minimum in the semiwild species, A ,apaiioaua which also had maximum number of rod bivalents. Pollen grains of varying sizes (Macro and medium) were observed In all the species. The cultivated species were characterised by bigger chromosomes and pollen grains. Interspecific hybridization was attempted in all possible combinations but many of the crosses failed. A few failed crosses exhibited seedling mortality. Seven interspecific hybrids grew and flowered and these included hybrids within and between sections Blitopsis and Amaranthus. A .IavaduA x. A, ioAcolon. the only interspecific hybrid within Blitopsis resembled mostly the male parent but was highly sterile. Cytologlcal studies revealed the presence of two or more Interchanges involving 3-6 chromosomes and subsequent melotic abnormalities resulted in 90% pollen sterility. The interspecific hybrids within section Amaranthus included A.^p-moAiUyA^nHinA A , ApmoALLb x A.hypochoncbuxLCLU,, A ,4 p m o 4 iu x A , c a u d a iiu t A, A p in o itu x A, c A u & n iiu , and A, c A ii& n tiu x A. c a u d a iiu . The hybrid A .c /u ie n iiu x A,caudaiiu produced only female flowers in the stunted and deformed hybrid plant. Other hybrids exhibited a preponderance of AupinoAtu characters indicated by presence of spines, reduction in inflorescence size, distinct placement of male and female flowers etc. Cytological studies revealed the presence of 1-2 multivalents including 3-4 chromosomes, moderate frequency of bivalents, and a low frequency of univalents in the hybrids. Chromosomal repatterning through translocations and inversions are also involved in speciation within both sections Blitopsis and Amaranthus. A, 6p u \.0Auu x A, v ia m L u , the first success of hybridization between the two sections resulted in a short and sturdy hybrid plant with dominating A.qunoMu characters. Cytological studies revealed that PMCs had high frequency of bivalents and only low frequency of univalents. The complete absence of multivalents indicated that cryptic structural changes and genetic drift are only involved In the cytogenetic differentiation of 2 the two species. D analysis of data of chromosome associations In interspecific hybrids at metaphase I indicate the clustering of hybrids within and between sections under the same group. This as well as morphological studies questions the validity of the naturalness of the two sections in AmaAO/iiJvu, The 40 accessions available in the germplasm were classified into different species based on detailed cytomorphological studies. Twenty one species were ascribed to A, four to A. d u J L u u and 15 to A. h y p o c h o n d b u j a c iiA , The reasons for low seed recovery in the A ,b u £ .o £ o A . accession A- were also studied. Investigations on photoperiodic response of the different species indicated that there is precocious flowering with increase in photoperiod in A. h y p o c h o r u d j u x L c i u , A, riidLuu and A, A p A n o A t u , Flowering was delayed with more light in A, cniirlatiu, and A, iju.c.o&QJi while A, cAuentu& and A, v u u x L l a were photoinsensitive. The content of antinutrient factors in the tender leaf and stem varied from 3.60 to 5.10% for oxalate and 0.295 to 0.695% for nitrate in the different species. In general Blitopsis had higher content of antinutrients than section Amaranthus, the only exception being A, A p .in .o A u A of section Amaranthus. The primitiveness of A ,apjjioaua was evident from the present studies. This pantropical cosmopolitan weed has played a major role in the evolution of otherAmoAaniAuAspp. Evidences were also obtained on the origin of vegetable amaranths from grain amaranths.ThesisItem Open Access Mineral nutrition of nutmeg (Myristica Fragrans Hout.) in relation to deficiency symptoms and flowering(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1986) Joseph Philip; KAU; Sivaraman Nair, P CDetailed investigations were carried out at the College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara from 1982 to 1985 with a view to study the nutrient deficiency symptoms by inducing deficiency and to study the influence of carbohydrates, nutrient elements and their ratios on flowering of nutmeg. Deficiency symptoms of macro-nutrients except Ca and S were first manifested on the older leaves while that of micro-nutrients on younger leaves. Symptoms of N deficiency were expressed as yellowing of leaves with orange tinge except the midrib and lateral veins followed by development of brownish necrotic blotches with bright orange yellow halos. Bronze green to purple discolouration of leaves with purplish brown necrotic blotches were the symptoms of P deficiency. Potassium deficiency symptoms were characterized by chocolate brown necrosis along the leaf tip and margins which later progressed to the distal one third to two third portion of the laminae. Due to Ca deficiency, the younger leaves became thick, brittle and reduced in size with blunt end. Light orange yellow chlorosis developed along the leaf margins and tips followed by the development of necrotic spots with bright orange yellow zone adjacent to the necrotic areas. Magnesium deficiency was characterized by the yellowing of the midrib and lateral veins and adjacent areas starting from the base of the leaf followed by yellowing of the entire laminae, necrosis and outward cupping of margins. In the case of S deficiency, the younger leaves became uniformly lemon yellow which later developed characteristic ‘birds eye spot’ and ‘shot holes’. Interveinal chlorosis of the young leaves was the most commonly observed symptom of micro-nutrient deficiencies. However, the chlorosis was specific to the concerned nutrients. Uniform straw yellow discoloration of leaves with pale green midrib and lateral veins followed by development of necrosis from leaf tip towards base, downward cupping of leaves and asymmetrical laminae were the symptoms of Fe deficiency. Manganese deficiency symptoms were characterized by pale yellow interveinal chlorosis and crinkling of leaves. Development of water-soaked spots from margins and tips in a wavy pattern towards the midrib followed by downward cupping, coppery red necrosis and leaf distortion were the characterization symptom of Cu deficiency. Symptoms of Zn deficiency were expressed as abnormally long and narrow leaves with characteristic mottling and reduced internodes. Boron deficiency symptoms were expressed as crinkling and orange yellow chlorosis of leaf tip of younger leaves which were thick and brittle. Later on, bright orange yellow chlorotic patches developed in between the lateral veins followed by the development of necrosis from margins and tips at the distal portion. Cracks developed at the necrotic areas and torn off. Among the macro and micro-nutrients, the earliest deficiency symptoms were manifested by the element Fe (3rd month), followed by Mg and S (4th month) N (5th month) P and B (7th month), K, Cu and Zn (8th month), Ca (9th month) and Mn (9.5th month). Vegetative growth was markedly reduced due to the deficiency of macro and micro-nutrients. Calcium, P, K, Mg and Zn were the elements which showed profound influence on root growth. The growth of plant was found to be completely arrested at a comparatively early stage (5th month) due to Mg, S and Fe deficiencies, followed by B (7th month), N (9th month), P, K, Ca, Cu an Zn (10th month) and Mn (10.5th month) deficiencies. Visual symptoms of deficiencies were concurred with a marked reduction in the foliar level of the concerned element. The influences of macro and micro-nutrient deficiencies on the foliar level of other nutrients are furnished below. Comparative foliar concentration of nutrients Nutrient deficiency --------------------------------------------------------------------- Elements increased Elements decreased Nitrogen P, Zn, B Mg, Fe, Mn Phosphorus N, Zn Mg, Mn Potassium Ca, Mg Nil Calcium K, Mg, N B Magnesium Ca, K, Cu N Sulphur N, P Nil Iron P, Zn, Mn K, Ca Manganese Fe, K, N Nil Copper Fe, Mg Ca Zinc P, Fe Mg Boron N, P Ca, K The deficiency symptoms could be recovered by the application of the deficient nutrient element. The flowering shoots of nutmeg were found to be associated with a significantly higher concentration of carbohydrates in leaves. The flowered shoots had a relatively lower amount of N in leaves prior to flowering and the N content increased slightly towards flowering. It was observed that the P, K, Ca and Mg were higher in the flowering shoots. But the variation was significant only in the case of Ca and Mg, that too in three flushes out of the normal four. The flowering shoots had a relatively lower concentration of foliar S than that of the non-flowering shoots. The flowering shoots registered significantly higher C/N ratio in leaves than that of the non-flowering shoots. The flowered shoots always registered a relatively higher P/S, Ca/S and Mg/S ratios and a lower foliar level of Ca/Mg, N/P and N/K ratios. The flowered and non-flowered shoots showed an erratic trend with respect to K/Ca, K/P and Ca + Mg ratios.
